Biofouling analysis in real-world environments and its environmental impact

Problem addressed

Biofouling, or the accumulation of biological growth on marine structures, increases operational costs, reduces functional efficiency, and can affect the environmental performance of infrastructure (e.g. corrosion processes or the ecological impact of inappropriate biocides). Materials that perform well under laboratory conditions may fail when exposed to real, dynamic environments, such as fluctuations in salinity, light, temperature and wave action. Companies and facilities require reliable real-world data to select effective treatments that are environmentally safe and tailored to their specific applications.

What we do and how we do it

• Installation of materials to be validated in both sheltered harbour areas and exposed coastal sites, in submerged and splash zones.
• Depth-specific testing (4 m, 20 m) to cover different immersion conditions.
• Continuous monitoring of environmental variables influencing biofouling, including temperature, salinity and water transparency.
• Microfouling analysis at early colonisation stages using metagenetic techniques to identify species and community composition.
• Macrofouling assessment at later stages: visual inspection, coverage and biomass estimation, taxonomic analysis and imaging.
• Comparative evaluation of antifouling coatings on different materials (ropes, plates, chains, nets, cables) and adaptations to site-specific conditions.
• Delivery of results through comprehensive technical reports, including images, videos, spreadsheets and, where required, on-site demonstrations with the client.

Key benefits

• Identification and validation of antifouling treatments with proven effectiveness under real marine conditions.
• Reduced corrosion and maintenance requirements, and improved durability of materials in contact with seawater.
• Enhanced operational performance and cost reduction across marine, aquaculture, naval and offshore industries.
• Selection of materials that minimise environmental impact, avoiding aggressive biocides and promoting eco-compatible solutions.
• AZTI’s proven expertise, supported by a portfolio of projects and a published methodological guide that ensure scientific rigour and practical knowledge transfer.